Specialism

Evolutionary Ecology - Life in Extreme Environments

Research Interests

I am studying the evolutionary history of life in the sea, with special focus on eco-physiological adaptations in invertebrates to extreme ambient conditions of polar and deep-sea environments. In doing so, my research utilises a highly multidisciplinary approach and with the attempt to unify the natural sciences ranging from physiology, molecular biology, geology and geophysics within the encompassing field of Ecology. Traditionally, the emphasis of my research has been on the response of life to Antarctic conditions. More recently, my group started to focus on evolutionary patterns in the radiation and speciation of deep-sea invertebrates, i.e. from chemosynthetic environment, utilising prototype high-pressure technology.
Within macroecological concepts, I am particularly interested in temperature-driven traits in invertebrate reproduction as a result of latitudinal shifts and/or short-term decadal oscillation (ENSO). Such knowledge I believe is important to understand better how life has evolved and how it endured past climate oscillations, as well as it allows predictions to be made for the future of marine organisms in a world of climate change.

Links to Active Research

NOCS DeepSeasGroup (pressure labs)

Editor-in-Chief Naturwissenschaften/The Science of Nature